The Asia Cohort Consortium
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ACC Blog Read the posts from young researchers introducing ACC activities and their research updates
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| ACC Working Group Meeting 2026 in Nagasaki and Visit to NCCJ | |
| Published March 5, 2025, Thiess Lorenz and Francisco Ojeda (University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg) | |
| On January 30th, we attended the Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC) Workgroup Meeting in Nagasaki, which took place during the joint meeting of the Japanese Epidemiology Association and the International Epidemiology Association – East Asia and Western Pacific Region. The conference was opened by Prof. Kaneko, who emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration across epidemiological disciplines and highlighted the responsibilities of epidemiology in a rapidly changing world. It was a great pleasure to meet, under the leadership of Prof. Manami Inoue, in person many of the researchers and colleagues with whom we had previously interacted mainly through virtual meetings and email. The workgroup meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange updates on ongoing ACC activities, including presentations from the nutritional and reproductive health workgroups as well as several collaborative research projects. For both of us, it was the first visit to Japan and a truly unique experience. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including but not limited to the long-term health effects of radiation exposure, planetary health, the impact of evolving diagnostics and guideline changes on epidemiological data, and multiple perspectives on artificial intelligence, ranging from practical implementation to methodological and ethical considerations. |
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| Following the ACC Workgroup Meeting, we visited the National Cancer Center Japan in Tokyo, where we gave a special seminar presenting six years of work on chronic diseases within the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium. In addition to the seminar, we had the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the infrastructure and long-term development of the Asia Cohort Consortium and to exchange experiences on the challenges and opportunities of managing a data center. Our discussions focused in particular on practical aspects of consortium governance, including governance structures, working group organization, and strategies to ensure that research projects progress efficiently and are completed within reasonable timeframes. We exchanged experiences on harmonization approaches and how variable definitions and data structures evolve over time, as well as on the resources required to maintain a sustainable data center infrastructure. Finally, we discussed publication processes and ways to balance open scientific collaboration with transparent project management and fair authorship guidelines. The ACC model of organizing research activities through thematic working groups and holding regular consortium meetings twice per year was impressive and provided valuable insights. The visit included many open and informal discussions that helped our mutual understanding, including a lovely shared lunch... We are very grateful for the openness and generosity with which our colleagues shared their knowledge and experiences, and the visit fortified our scientific exchange for potential future collaborations. We would both like to thank Manami, Yoko, Mayo, Keiko, and Shafiur for their hospitality and kindness. |
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| Coordinating Center member visited filed site of the HEALS cohort | |
| Published February25, 2026, Shafiur-Rahman (NCCJ, ACC Coordinating Center) | |
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In January, Shafiur Rahman from the ACC Coordinating Center visited the Arsenic Hospital and the Population Health Research & Training Society (PHeaRTs) in Araihazar upazila, Narayanganj district, Bangladesh—the field site of the HEALS cohort (PI: Prof. Habibul Ahsan). During the visit, he met Dr. Alauddin Ahmed (Chief Executive Officer of PHeaRTs) and Dr. H. E. M. Mahbubul Eunus (Director, Research and Services, PHeaRTs). They discussed the development of the HEALS cohort and its broader contributions to community health. The site, initially established as a field clinic for participant recruitment and biological sample collection under UChicago Research Bangladesh (URB), later expanded into a general hospital and community health platform. Sustained community trust was central to this transition. The facility is now widely known locally as the “Arsenic Hospital.” Araihazar upazila is characterized by elevated groundwater arsenic and industrial air pollution, where the HEALS cohort enrolled approximately 37,000 participants and collected detailed exposure, clinical, and biological data at baseline and through ongoing biennial follow-up. The team also discussed newly initiated projects involving the second generation of cohort participants, highlighting the long-term vision of integrating research, clinical services, and community engagement. |
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| ACC General Membership Meeting 2025 in Zhengzhou |
| Published February, 2026, Mayo Hirabayashi (NCCJ, ACC CC) |
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| The Asia Cohort Consortium General Membership Meeting was successfully held in Zhengzhou, China, on October 30–31, 2025, bringing together ACC members and collaborators from across Asia and beyond. The GMM provided a valuable platform, highlighting the shared commitment of the ACC community to advancing evidence-based research for Asian populations. Under the leadership of Chair Dr. Youlin Qiao, and with the dedicated support of Drs. Shaokai Zhang and Jinyu Zhang, the local organising team, ensured a smooth and highly engaging meeting. Scientific sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities fostered active dialogue among researchers. In addition to the scientific program, participants enjoyed a memorable banquet, offering an opportunity to connect in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while experiencing local cuisine and hospitality. Following the meeting, an optional site visit to the Shaolin Temple allowed participants to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage. The success of the meeting was made possible by the outstanding efforts of the Organising Committee and the warm hospitality extended by our colleagues in Zhengzhou. Their careful preparation and dedication created an environment that encouraged meaningful exchange. Building on the momentum generated in Zhengzhou, the next GMM will be held in Japan in December 2026, continuing collaboration to further advance research across the region. |
| GMM Site Visit in ZhengZhou | |
| Published September 17, 2025, Mayo Hirabayashi (NCCJ, ACC Coordinating Center) | |
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| In August, Manami Inoue and Mayo Hirabayashi from the National Cancer Center Japan visited Zhengzhou, China, for a site visit in preparation for the upcoming ACC General Membership Meeting (GMM), which will be held on October 30–31, 2025. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to work closely with the local organising team, led by Chair Dr. Youlin Qiao, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the meeting. With the valuable guidance of Prof. Shokai Zhang and Dr. Jinyu Zhang, whose commitment has greatly contributed to the GMM preparation, we reviewed the venues and discussed arrangements, sharing ideas on how to make the gathering both successful and memorable. We were truly impressed by the Organising Committee’s dedication and tireless efforts to ensure a meaningful and well-coordinated event. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues in Zhengzhou for their warm hospitality and preparations. With their strong support and the collaborative spirit of the ACC community, we look forward to welcoming participants this October and to another impactful GMM. |
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| ACC General Membership Meeting 2024 in Seoul - Celebrating 20 Years | |
| Published November 6, 2024, Ji Yoon Baek (SNU, 20th Anniversary GMM secretariat) | |
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Held at the Seoul National University (SNU) Cancer Research Institute under the leadership of Dr. Aesun Shin, the General Membership Meeting (GMM) 2024 successfully marked this milestone and concluded. Returning to Seoul, where the ACC GMM first began in 2004, was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on advanced researchers' remarkable achievements and anticipate emerging researchers' contributions. |
| ACC 20th Year Commemorative Book | |
| Published October 29, 2024, Soye Kim (SNU, 20thAnniversary GMM publication team) | |
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It has been an honor to contribute to the creation of a commemorative booklet celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC). Reflecting on ACC's history and organizing its publications provided a valuable opportunity to explore ongoing collaborative projects examining genetics, environmental exposures, and disease etiology. This milestone serves as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of researchers worldwide, working towards a healthier future. I look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of ACC in the years to come. |
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| Team Jeongseon Kim | |
| Published January 22, 2024, Madhawa Gunathilake (National Cancer Center, Korea) | |
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Professor Jeongseon Kim’s research laboratory is located in the Department of Cancer AI and Digital Health at the National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy in Korea. Our lab’s primary focus is on exploring the interplay between dietary factors, genetics, and the microbiome within the framework of omics. We utilize epidemiological approaches such as nutritional and systems epidemiology, aiming to prevent cancer. Professor Kim also holds the position of principal investigator in the Korea National Cancer Center Cohort and engages in collaborations with numerous national and international institutes and consortia. As an executive committee member of the Asia Cohort Consortium (ACC) and a leading figure in the ACC diet working group, Professor Kim plays a crucial role in propelling forward the future of cancer research. |
| Team Sue K. Park |
| Published December 14, 2023, Sangjun Lee (Seoul National University) |
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| The research lab of Sue K. Park, located at the Department of Preventive Medicine in Seoul National University College of Medicine, is a precision medicine laboratory. Our goal is to develop algorithms that can predict the onset of chronic diseases and ultimately aim at preventing them. As the principal investigator of the Korean Multicenter Cancer Cohort, Dr. Sue K. Park is currently managing the cohort and conducting collaborative research with various institutions across the country. |
| Harmonious Strides: A Recap of the Asia Cohort Consortium General Meeting |
| Published December 8, 2023, Daisy S Sibale (Aichi Cancer Center) |
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| As hosts of the Asia Cohort Consortium General Membership Meeting 2023, our journey was an exhilarating blend of coordination, collaboration, and inspiration. Dr. Keitaro Matsuo's adept leadership injected a fresh vibrancy into Aichi Cancer Center, setting the stage for a dynamic event. Witnessing the seamless integration of diverse minds and ideas, our team's tireless efforts to ensure a harmonious symphony of knowledge left an indelible mark. The collaborative energy that pulsed through the conference halls, whether during engaging educational sessions or the inclusive tai-chi session, showcased the true spirit of the consortium. The introduction of the new Executive Committee, with Dr. Manami Inoue at the helm, marked a pivotal chapter, promising an exciting future for the Asia Cohort Consortium. Reflecting on our highlights, it's the shared voyage towards progress that stands out, leaving us with a profound sense of purpose and pride. |